Why Russ is running for the US Senate for Oregon

Fellow Oregonians—Republicans, Independents, and even disillusioned Democrats across our great state of Oregon - it’s time to reclaim our voice in Washington, D.C. and Make Oregon Better (MOB). Join the MOB!

I’m running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Jeff Merkley, a far-left extremist whose positions are wildly out of step with the majority of good Oregonians. For 17 years, Merkley has pushed a dangerous agenda that prioritizes Portland’s minority activist class over the hardworking families around the entire state of Oregon. 

Merkley’s Radical Record: Proven by His Own Words and Votes Government Shutdowns & Dishonest Blame-Shifting

Merkley voted repeatedly to block funding bills in 2025, forcing federal shutdowns that delayed paychecks for troops, air traffic controllers, and Social Security recipients—then lied on national TV, claiming Republicans alone were responsible. We deserve truth from our Senators, not partisan falsehoods. 

Merkley co-sponsored legislation to gut ICE and voted against Kate’s Law, which would crack down on criminal illegal aliens who re-enter after deportation. He proudly calls Oregon a “sanctuary state” and opposes any wall or enhanced border security, even as fentanyl kills thousands of Oregonians annually.

Merkley co-sponsored the original Green New Deal and said on record it should “transform every sector of our economy.” His plan would ban gas-powered cars and trucks, phase out Oregon’s timber and ranching industries, and impose carbon taxes that would crush family farms. He even mocked rural concerns, joking about regulating “cow farts” while ignoring the real pain of $5+ diesel in Klamath Falls.

Merkley voted against protecting women’s sports and supports Title IX rules allowing biological males to compete against girls. He co-sponsored the Equality Act, which would force schools to let boys into girls’ locker rooms and sports teams—erasing decades of progress for Oregon’s daughters.

Merkley voted to block a Republican amendment banning federal funds for gender-transition surgeries on minors. He has refused to condemn irreversible procedures like puberty blockers and mastectomies on confused teenagers, calling any restriction “discrimination.”

Merkley voted against condemning Hamas after the October 7 massacre and co-sponsored a resolution to cut U.S. aid to Israel. He boycotted Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress and has called for recognizing a Palestinian state without conditions—abandoning America’s strongest ally.

Merkley voted against condemning “defund the police” and opposed cash bail reform. During the 2020 Portland riots, he refused to call Antifa “domestic terrorists” and instead blamed “federal agents” for the violence—while anarchists burned small businesses and attacked police with Molotov cocktails.

These aren’t fringe rumors—they’re Merkley’s votes, statements, and co-sponsorships on the record.

My Pledge: A Senator Who Fights for Real Oregon Values

As your common-sense Republican Senator, not a radical, I will hold in-person town halls in all 36 counties—no scripts, no filters. Let's talk in person. 

Secure the border, end sanctuary policies, and stop fentanyl.

Protect women’s sports and parental rights—no males in girls’ locker rooms, no surgeries on kids.

Stand unapologetically with Israel against terror.

Fight for affordable energy, jobs, and all of Oregon—not only DSA Portland’s socialist and radical experiments.

Restore honesty and accountability—no more voting for chaos, then blaming others.

Fire the Radical. Hire the Fighter.

Jeff Merkley has had 16 years to represent Oregon. Instead, he’s delivered lies, extremism, and betrayal. Oregon deserves better.

Oregon deserves the truth.

Make Oregon Better (MOB) and be the mob that runs Jeff Merkley out of his Senate seat. Time to term limit him and add fresh voices to the Senate.